Kevin De Bruyne: FA launches investigation after Arsenal fans throw objects at Manchester City midfielder
The FA is to investigate after Kevin De Bruyne had objects and bottles thrown at him following his substitution during Manchester City’s 3-1 Premier League win against Arsenal at the Emirates
Thursday 16 February 2023 15:53, UK
The Football Association has launched an investigation after Arsenal fans threw objects at Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne during Wednesday night's Premier League game at the Emirates Stadium.
Erling Haaland wrapped up a 3-1 win for the reigning champions, as Arsenal slipped out of the top spot they had occupied since the third week of the season.
Bukayo Saka's penalty spot-kick had levelled after De Bruyne had struck first for Manchester City, but goals from Jack Grealish and Haaland secured the three points for Guardiola's side.
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De Bruyne was pelted with plastic bottles as the Belgian made his way back to the dugout around the pitch after being substituted in the 87th minute.
An Arsenal spokesperson told Sky Sports News: "We are studying CCTV footage and if we are able to identify the culprits they will be subject to strict sanctions. This is unacceptable and will not be tolerated."
The incident was included in the referee's match report. The Met Police and Manchester City have been approached by Sky Sports News for comment.
Despite the hostility, De Bruyne smiled back at the crowd as he dodged a thrown bottle while one hit the corner flag.
The 31-year-old made light of the situation after the victory posting on Instagram: "Beer anyone?"
He then shared another picture of a plastic cup heading towards him with the caption: "Thanks!"
It was an eventful night in north London for De Bruyne who was also involved in a touchline spat with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola hailed his side's quality after the victory but warned that the race for the league title still has a long way to run.
"The game was half-half," Guardiola said. "It's not easy to play against them, the build-up they have is really good.
"We were in the game and at the end, the quality of the players made the difference."
Arsenal have now lost three of their last four matches in all competitions, but remain behind City only on goal difference, and do have a game in hand.
For Guardiola, despite moving to the top of the table, he warned that there was a lot more of the season remaining.
He added: "There are still many games to play, the Champions League is coming, the Europa League is coming, so, but importantly, is the fact we could have come here a few weeks ago eight or nine points behind and losing here [would mean the title race] will be almost over.
"Now for the fact that they dropped points, we came here for the chance to win the game and now we are there [level at the top of the league].
"So far they've got better results than us - this is the reality."
While Arsenal are without a league title in almost two decades, City have won four of the last five and Nathan Ake feels that could work in their favour having hit the front.
Asked if the win makes City favourites for the crown, Netherlands defender Ake replied: "No.
"They (Arsenal) still have a game in hand so they still have three points on us so we don't want to get carried away, we will keep doing what we are doing, go game by game and take it from there.
"We knew beforehand it was going to be a very big game and we just wanted to win the game and get the three points and we did."
